Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Can You Comment on That?


Comments.

Remember when you first became a blogger and you didn't quite understand what comments were or even how to leave them on other people's blogs?

Do you remember how you felt when someone first left you a comment?

I can! I can remember all of these with a huge grin and a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. It's what happened when I awoke one morning following a dream I had that I believed was inspired by God. He told me to start a blog and even what the name should be.

Now how to go about beginning a blog shouldn't require a college degree to get it going, and in fact thanks to Blogger, with simple and easy to use templates, I was all set to go and launch publication once I figured it all out in a matter of hours.

I think the biggest challenge was figuring out just what should I say for my first post. Should I talk about the purpose of my blog? Or about who I am?

I think I went for a combination of both.

What started out as a online journal of sorts, turned into so much more. I wanted something to look back on in a years time and see just what kind of life I have lived in the last year. I wanted a written legacy of the good times and bad times. I wanted to see how I weathered storms and how I got through them still in one piece for the most part.

What I didn't expect was that there would be people out there, all over the world, who would browse the internet and stop at my blog. Not only stop there, but read what I had written. Why did what I write even make a difference to someone?

But it did.

They let me know.

In a comment.

In that one small box that appears at the bottom of each post we read, lies a window to share with the author anything you wish to say, good, bad or hopefully not ugly.

I was in heaven. Never before could one person imagine just what a comment could do to you personally.

People cared.

People related to you.

People shared something in common with you, both through your good times and bad ones.

People are good, no great when they inspire you with their thoughts, their time and their loving words that fit in a box that make your day.

As an author each day of what comes to mind to write about, I love to hear what it means to you, personally.

Did it impact you? Did it encourage you?

Did it make you laugh or cry?

Did it make a great memory of the past come fading back into the light as though it happened yesterday?

Not sure if this makes sense to any of you but I wanted to take this opportunity after blogging for almost a year now to let you know just how much comments mean to me personally. They are worth so much more than any amount of money you could ever give me.

They inspire me. They tell me you care, you've read what I have written and it's not even important whether you agree or disagree, it matters because you've taken the time to share with me your thoughts and feelings. For that alone, I love you one and all and would whole heartily share with you to take the time to let people know you've been by, you've read what they have written and how it's impacted you.

You just never know how your one comment can make a huge difference in how that person's day is going and how you just made them smile more than anything that could have happened that day.

Comments do that for bloggers. They are payment and rewards from you, the readers. Please take the time to comment today!

35 comments:

momstheword said...

I still remember the first time I got a comment. I was so shocked that someone actually read what I wrote, lol!

I still don't know what direction my blog is going. It changes depending on whatever I feel like blogging about, lol!

I was thinking about you last night and was wondering how you are feeling. Just know you're being prayed for, my friend!

Unknown said...

I remember so well what it felt like to know that someone really read what I wrote. You brought me back to over a year ago.

Comments are like reassurance that there is a purpose for blogging....especially if you know that someone is being helped and reached by what you share.

I hope that you know that your sharing helps so many!

RCUBEs said...

I was so excited when I saw someone actually took their time to read what I posted for the first time! Little did I know, God is bringing precious friends this way! It's not about words anymore. It's about sharing lives, finding that commonality we all share: God loving us and working in us and us, loving God and each other. It's about being there for each other even through written words. Words. Why powerful? Even Him was the original User of Words. He made His love known through His Words. His power through His Words. "...and the Word was God"...Glory to God! May the Lord bless you more as new year comes, bringing forth healing and other abundant blessings. Love to you.

Mari said...

Comments are wonderful and I do remember how I felt the first time I got one from someone I didn't already know.
I also remember how my husband reacted when we were sending our son of to basic training and so many people prayed for us. He was amazed at the caring of people who had been strangers - but now were friends!

Heckety said...

Yes! Yes! Yes! You said it exactly!Brill!
You're not going to stop now your year is nearly up are you?

Carol said...

One of my husband's classmates encouraged me to blog after she had read a lengthy e-mail I had sent to family and friends updating our move to England. I had never really thought of it before then and I was hesitant. Hesitant because I didn't have a clue what this bloggy world was like. Boy am I thankful to her for that encouragement. It's life changing! She was the one person that steadily commented in order to keep me going. Then one day someone else commented that I didn't know and it really made me smile. It does make a difference.

Silver said...

I couldn't agree more, Kat!

What started as a personal journal had been more rewarding that i could ever bargain for.

love,
~Silver

Parsley said...

I agree! It is so nice to feel like someone cares enough to stop by and comment.

I just wish I could meet even more great people!

Kathleen said...

I still remember the very first comment on my blog - some two years ago. First, I was blown away that ANYONE had even found it. Second, I was blown away that ANYONE besides family would even care; and third, I was/am blown away by the rich friendships that have developed since.

Blessings, friend.

Kathleen

Lori said...

Wonderful post! I remember my first post and comments! Comments do inspire you, and it does show that people are reading your blog and they feel your joy, heartace, etc. That is why I'm still blogging! I want to look back on my journey through life!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

LV said...

Amen to everything you said.

Thena said...

I can remember the first time I mentioned blogging to Megan my oldest daughter. I told her I didn't have anything to blog about and she laughed. So I sat down one day and the name Patiently Waiting came to my mind. What began as blogging about family, turned into so much more when I gave my blog to the Lord. I told him it was His and if it could be used to touch just one persons life that's what I would like for it to do. There's a lost and hurting world out there and we can reach them through Him and His guidance. I save all my comments, and go back and read them from time to time. And the first non-family one was so exciting but the encouraging ones when there's a rough spot in the road is just as awesome. And finding friends like you is like icing on the cake.

Cathy said...

I love comments. I think they kinda make me feel validated. But I really try not to be upset if I don't get comments. I keep reminding myself I'm doing this because I want to and not just to get comments. I love also feeling like I'm making new friends (which I think I really have) and I hope from time to time I'm reaching someone with encouragement from Christ. I know I get that encouragement from others. Thank you for reminding me today. I hope you're feeling better today. You are in my thoughts and prayers friend!

Denise said...

In a simple moment and a brief comment we learn that we neither walk a path that has never been trod upon or that we walk alone.

I have read the last few posts here and I will pray that answers and healing will come. Until then may you feel the grace of God unfold all around you.

Shalom,
Denise

Still Learning said...

Yes!!! There have been many times that a comment just made my day. I love them so..... it makes me feel connected to those who I am blessed to have stop by. I wish more people would connect that way & not be afraid to let someone know that they stopped by & hopefully had a laugh or some inspiration. Love your blog & it has been wonderful to get to know you. Hope you are feeling better today.

Wendi said...

I was tickled pink when I received my first comment. I really didn't think anything I had to share would interest anyone. I cherish the people I have "met" in blogland.

Samantha said...

Yes, there are so many nice people and it is such a warm feeling to read their comments.
Praying you are feeling better.
Hugs and blessings to you dear Kat !

Andrea said...

AMEN...I cherish each and every comment...someone taking their precious time to share their heart with me. I still get a bit weepy thinking about it. Maybe, it is silly, but I continue to feel this way about my followers and those who time and time again leave comments.

Love you, Kat! You are one special lady. Hope you are feeling better.

Blessings and prayers, andrea

Darcie said...

Oh Sweetie..you are so correct. Funny what a small gesture can do for people. It is a good life lesson that some of the smallest things make the biggest impact.

What I have always appreciated about your comments is the fact that you can tell you are leaving a comment from your heart...for that I thank you...for YOUR comments.

Our7isheaven said...

Oh how I remember my first post in May of this year! I started my blog to originally keep in touch with family and friends. Then it kind of grew into more than that.

That first post shocked me! The crazy part was it wasn't even anyone I knew.

I love blogging simply because I've made so many friends many..... most of which I've never met but I enjoy reading about their lives, family, prayer request and things.

Happy New Years!
Paula from 7isheavenforus

Our7isheaven said...

I didn't finish my thought. I'm so grateful for all the new friends I've made over the last 7 months!

May God bless you! I greatly enjoy reading your blog!

christy rose said...

Kat,
I think you spoke the words that every person that has stepped out into this blogging world would have said for themselves. It is so amazing to me that sometimes the things that we think we start up in our lives for one reason or another turn out to be such divine things in our lives. Blogging and meeting such wonderful people, like you, and so many others in my life, has been one of the most rewarding things that has developed in my life. And, comments are the way we meet each other. I seldom ever stop and visit a blogging friend without leaving a comment to let them know that I took the time to stop by and peek into their lives that day.I know how it feels to hear from those who visit me and I always want to return that feeling to others that I have come to know and love. I pray that you are continuing to find answers to your health issues and that God leads you to a complete recovery.
Love
Christy

He & Me + 3 said...

You are so right Kat! I love your blog and you encourage so much. Keep blogging and I'll keep reading and commenting.
praying for you.
Hugs,
Mimi

S. Etole said...

my heart does a little happy dance when I find that someone has left a comment ... I live a very isolated life due to physical limitations and it's like someone taking a minute to stop and embrace the day with you

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I love comments. I think I had maybe two when I first started. Now on a good day I will have 33 and it's so much fun. I love leaving comments, that brings me so much joy.

-blessed holy socks, the non-perishable-zealot said...

Wonder what the Great Beyond'll be like? Who knows, toots. But let's find out, wanna? HEAR YE! O HEAR YE!! Just to let you know, I’m having a BIG-OL party celebrating our resurrection on my drawbridge in Heaven for a least ten years. Why don't you meet me Upstairs? You’re invited. You’re more than welcome. God bless.

Sandra said...

I was excited the first time I got a comment and then I wanted more and more and it quickly became an obsession, I would check my email multiple times a day just to see if I had another comment. LOL

I did put a stop to that immediately and had to tell myself that it's not about the comments, I write my blog about my day and for family and friends and if something I saw on there somehow brings comfort or makes one person smile then that is fine by me :)

Mich said...

comments are like "hugs" online.

You are such the encourager. Hope you are feeling better these days. I'm still trying to play catch up since I was out of the loop over the holiday.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I just read through your last few blogs.. please add my name to those who are praying for you. I'll be praying for specific answers and direction in the doctors visits coming up.

... your 'restful' and quiet heart during this time is a real testimony to each of us who are reading these blogs. And you know... God loves it when we trust IN THE MIDST of the tough time.

Keep trusting, it raises the bar for the rest of us when our turn comes.

Catherine Anne said...

Yes I still remember! Im so blessed to have meet you and many other beautiful bloggers I now know as my dear friends. Beautiful photo!

E @ Scottsville said...

Oh, I do love comments, too. It's funny how I thrive on knowing people saw my photos or 'heard me'. It means SOMEONE out there cared enough to read and listen and then even tell me so!

My blog has helped me keep my sanity during some dark times. It's it funny how even the dark abyss that is the internet can be used for GOOD!

Deborah Ann said...

I know, right? I'm like...someone actually reads this stuff?

I was taken aback by how much love I have grown like weeds for my blogger friends. I love so many of you! God dwells among the bloggers, that much I know to be true.

Love you Kat. Still praying for you...

Kat said...

I agree one hundred percent. If it is worth taking the time to read than by certain is should be worth the time to leave a comment and say so.

Hugs,

The other Kat

KrippledWarrior said...

This comment's for you. But not your ego. <°)}}}><

Elle Bee said...

Dandy from Spontaneous Clapping was the first person other than family to read my blog and leave a comment. It shocked my socks off! And opened up a whole new blogging world for me. I know exactly what you mean--it's so fulfilling to be able to touch lives this way. Thank you Kat for touching mine!